The annual "Motorcycle Ride for Dad", the largest motorcycle event in Canada in support of prostate cancer research and education, held their Calgary ride Saturday, June 6th. Rides are held across Canada on different weekends during the spring and early summer. At the event in Calgary it was announced that they had raised in excess of $80,000.
I first heard of the ride one week prior to the event on CJay96 and decided to get involved and take part in both the ride and raising money for the cause. Through a generous network or friends, business colleagues and a couple of people I didn't even know personally (Twitter), the group generated 38 pledges amounting to $2,500 for the cause - Awesome. Thanks so much to those that pledged it was truly appreciated.
Unfortunately, Mother nature did not cooperate and we received a freak snow fall the morning of the ride. Although it cleared up somewhat by the planned 10:30 start for the ride, the organizing committee decided for safety reasons to postpone the ride to another weekend. They did go forward with the parade ride, a short police escorted ride in the city up to Mark's Work Wearhouse in Signal Hill.
You'll see the accumulated snow at our place in the pictures below. I didn't take any chances and posed for a few pictures on the bike in the snow and then drove down in the car to take part in the activities held during the day.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Laughlin River Run 2009
This Post can be seen online by clicking here
Day 7-8
The 2009 - 27th Annual River Run is definitely showing signs of the economic times. 2008 was my first year, and i was amazed at the sheer volume of bikes in each of the hotel parking areas, the traffic and rumble of the bikes all day long up and down the strip.
In 2009 this was not the case. Things were considerably slower on the Thursday and although picked up Friday night, it's got a long way to go if it's to be compared to 2008. The vendor count was also noticeably smaller with a number of the hotels having considerably smaller vendor areas. I talked to a number of the vendors and they all echoed that this years numbers were down considerably going into the weekend, although optimistic, conceded that things were going to be slower then in the past.
Perhaps the tell tale sign at a bike gathering where 70%+ of the bikes are Harleys, was in fact the absence of Harley Davidson. One of the vendors commented that at Bike Week in Daytona which runs over two weekends, Harley Davidson only showed up for the second half of the show. Harley are running on tough times with many questioning their future. Time will tell.
We're heading out first thing tomorrow morning, so this is the end of my trip blog. Next updates will be for planned weekend trips through the summer months closer to home. Stay tuned.
Left Click on the images to view the online album;
Day 7-8
The 2009 - 27th Annual River Run is definitely showing signs of the economic times. 2008 was my first year, and i was amazed at the sheer volume of bikes in each of the hotel parking areas, the traffic and rumble of the bikes all day long up and down the strip.
In 2009 this was not the case. Things were considerably slower on the Thursday and although picked up Friday night, it's got a long way to go if it's to be compared to 2008. The vendor count was also noticeably smaller with a number of the hotels having considerably smaller vendor areas. I talked to a number of the vendors and they all echoed that this years numbers were down considerably going into the weekend, although optimistic, conceded that things were going to be slower then in the past.
Perhaps the tell tale sign at a bike gathering where 70%+ of the bikes are Harleys, was in fact the absence of Harley Davidson. One of the vendors commented that at Bike Week in Daytona which runs over two weekends, Harley Davidson only showed up for the second half of the show. Harley are running on tough times with many questioning their future. Time will tell.
We're heading out first thing tomorrow morning, so this is the end of my trip blog. Next updates will be for planned weekend trips through the summer months closer to home. Stay tuned.
Left Click on the images to view the online album;
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Laughlin River Run 2009 - Day 6
This Post can be seen online by clicking here
Day 6 - Last day of the ride.
I took in the IMAX - Grand Canyon presentation first thing this morning. A brief history around the discovery and some details around the first adventurers that tackled the river in the early days.
Today`s ride started outside the Grand Canyon Park in Nuvayan, thru Flagstaff and into Laughlin NV.
Another spectacular ride which took me from 8,300 ft and rather crisp temperatures on Hwy180 into Flagstaff with snow on the ground, to the ride `down` into Laughlin at 500 ft and temperatures at 99F yesterday. And I hear it snowed at home in Calgary.
Couldn’t have asked for better weather with all 6 days of the ride under cloudless skies and seasonally high temperatures for the area. The route covered 2020 Miles and circled Arizona, touching on New Mexico.
I’m spending the next two days checking out the vendors, custom bikes and bikers at the 2009 Laughoin River Run. I’ll post pictures of the show over the next few days.
Limited Pictures this morning.
Only a few pictures from Day 6
Day 6 - Last day of the ride.
I took in the IMAX - Grand Canyon presentation first thing this morning. A brief history around the discovery and some details around the first adventurers that tackled the river in the early days.
Today`s ride started outside the Grand Canyon Park in Nuvayan, thru Flagstaff and into Laughlin NV.
Another spectacular ride which took me from 8,300 ft and rather crisp temperatures on Hwy180 into Flagstaff with snow on the ground, to the ride `down` into Laughlin at 500 ft and temperatures at 99F yesterday. And I hear it snowed at home in Calgary.
Couldn’t have asked for better weather with all 6 days of the ride under cloudless skies and seasonally high temperatures for the area. The route covered 2020 Miles and circled Arizona, touching on New Mexico.
I’m spending the next two days checking out the vendors, custom bikes and bikers at the 2009 Laughoin River Run. I’ll post pictures of the show over the next few days.
Limited Pictures this morning.
Only a few pictures from Day 6
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Laughlin River Run 2009 - Day 5 "The Grand Canyon"
This Post can be seen online by clicking here
Day 5
Weather - Ditto :-)
Another truly spectacular day that started in New Mexico and ended at the Grand Canyon.
Today was definitely a day of 'Firsts';
I was intrigued by the large outcrop of rock on the horizon and decided to continue East to Shiprock, NM. Truly an awesome sight. What I learned after viewing it -
Then it was back on the 160 West to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The ride was light with traffic and the sunny skies and warm breeze made the trek pass by very fast. At the intersection of #160 and #163 you could see some of the large formations to the North in Monument Valley. One of the most memorable rides from last year.
The Grand Canyon was incredible. When i rounded that first curve and saw it open up it was breathtaking. I’m happy with the pictures, but they truly don’t do it justice. The sheer magnitude you can’t capture in a picture. A must see! Enjoy the pictures.
Mouse over the photos and 'Left Click' to access the online album and larger photos;
Day 5
Weather - Ditto :-)
Another truly spectacular day that started in New Mexico and ended at the Grand Canyon.
Today was definitely a day of 'Firsts';
- First time where there were clouds, albeit not many as you’ll see from the pictures
- First time of riding over 500 Miles in one day for me.
- First time of riding without a helmet for about 200 miles on Hwy #160. Yes, not smart, but I can check that one off of my ‘bucket list’. Sunny skies and warm winds, it was fantastic.
- First time that I was back in New Mexico since there last. Yesterday was the first time in New Mexico. I took a scenic route from Gallup NM to ShipRock NM via Arizona today
- First time standing on the corner of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. Although CNN/NECN reported yesterday that there is now a dispute as to whether the 4 corners actually meet where the monument is located. As with everything in the US, a lawsuit is pending.
- First time filling my bike at a service station and a late 20’s very attractive girl came and said she was on vacation and taking pictures with hot guys. What? And so what’s that got to do with me? “You look distinguished and very hot in those leathers sitting on your Harley, can I have my friend take a picture of me with you?”. Who me? Are you kidding I said, you just made my day, of course take as many as you want. See, a First Time for everything :-)
I was intrigued by the large outcrop of rock on the horizon and decided to continue East to Shiprock, NM. Truly an awesome sight. What I learned after viewing it -
Shiprock, located in northwestern New Mexico, is a most impressive example of a volcanic neck, or a central feeder pipe. The remnant of an eruption around 30 million years ago during the Oligocene, it is the basalt core of an extinct volcano.
Then it was back on the 160 West to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The ride was light with traffic and the sunny skies and warm breeze made the trek pass by very fast. At the intersection of #160 and #163 you could see some of the large formations to the North in Monument Valley. One of the most memorable rides from last year.
The Grand Canyon was incredible. When i rounded that first curve and saw it open up it was breathtaking. I’m happy with the pictures, but they truly don’t do it justice. The sheer magnitude you can’t capture in a picture. A must see! Enjoy the pictures.
Mouse over the photos and 'Left Click' to access the online album and larger photos;
Monday, April 20, 2009
Laughlin River Run 2009 - Day 4 "Riding Solo"
This Post can be seen online by clicking here
Day 4
Temperatures are above normal seasonal (95+F) and not a cloud in the sky ... Beauty day!
Started in Globe, AZ and made a quick trip into Phoenix where Mark opted to spend a few days chillen with some friends ... so I'm riding solo :-)
Today was about taking bike pictures with different backgrounds along the ride. After getting back to Globe I headed north on the scenic #60. The ride took me from the desert valley of probably around 2000ft to 6300+ft in the Apache Mountains, and the temperature changes that go with it. The #60 was scenic with the highlight being the road down into the Salt River Canyon and back out. The #60 ended in Show Low AZ. Another city situated at the higher altitudes and in the pine forest. Very 'British Columbia' like feel as was Prescott.
From Show Low I continued North to the Petrified Forest National Park.
So bottom line, these trees are old .... very old. Incredible to see the 'rock looking' tree trunks and to think they're 100's of million years old. The Tepees are seen through out the park with their Red (Iron) and White (Clay) distinct coloring.
The day ended in Gallup, New Mexico ...... back west to the Grand Canyon tomorrow via Navojo Indian Reserve in North West Arizona.
For larger images, 'Left click' on the images below and you'll get redirected to the online album;
Day 4
Temperatures are above normal seasonal (95+F) and not a cloud in the sky ... Beauty day!
Started in Globe, AZ and made a quick trip into Phoenix where Mark opted to spend a few days chillen with some friends ... so I'm riding solo :-)
Today was about taking bike pictures with different backgrounds along the ride. After getting back to Globe I headed north on the scenic #60. The ride took me from the desert valley of probably around 2000ft to 6300+ft in the Apache Mountains, and the temperature changes that go with it. The #60 was scenic with the highlight being the road down into the Salt River Canyon and back out. The #60 ended in Show Low AZ. Another city situated at the higher altitudes and in the pine forest. Very 'British Columbia' like feel as was Prescott.
From Show Low I continued North to the Petrified Forest National Park.
"During the Triassic Period (200 - 250 million years ago) the Colorado Plateau area of northeastern Arizona was located near the equator and on the southwestern edge of the landmass known as "Pangea". (Eventually this super-continent separated to create our present continents.) This tropical location resulted in a climate and environment very different from today. Fossil evidence of this ancient land lies in the sediments called the Chinle Formation that is now exposed in Petrified Forest National Park."
So bottom line, these trees are old .... very old. Incredible to see the 'rock looking' tree trunks and to think they're 100's of million years old. The Tepees are seen through out the park with their Red (Iron) and White (Clay) distinct coloring.The day ended in Gallup, New Mexico ...... back west to the Grand Canyon tomorrow via Navojo Indian Reserve in North West Arizona.
For larger images, 'Left click' on the images below and you'll get redirected to the online album;
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Laughlin River Run 2009 - Day 3 "Gunfight at the OK Corral"
This Post can be seen online by clicking here
Day 3 - Gunfight at the OK Corral
Not a cloud in the sky, Temperatures in the mid 90's (35C).
Well one would think that as the holiday goes on, the start to the day would get later and later. After all, it is a vacation. Not the case when you're traveling with Kwasy. He was chomping at the bit by 7:00 and we were loaded and on the bikes by 7:30. "Already 8:30 back home", he said. Imagine if home was Newfoundland, "the days half over, we best get going."
Today's highlight, Tombstone Arizona. A little history lesson - Tombstone sprang up around the mines discovered by Ed Schieffelin in 1877. The Settlement became a village in 1879, and a city in 1881. Early in the 20th century, it was dubbed " The Town To Tough to Die". In 1962 Tombstone was designated as a National Historic Landmark because of its significant role in the history of the American West.
Tombstone was probably most famous for the Gunfight at the OK Corral. "Wyatt Earp, Morgan Earp, Virgil Earp, and Doc Holliday fought Frank McLaury, Tom McLaury, Billy Claiborne, Ike Clanton, and Billy Clanton. Ike Clanton and Billy Claiborne (who later claimed that he had been unarmed, though some reports credit him with shooting one or more times) ran away from the fight, unharmed. Both McLaurys and Billy Clanton were killed; Morgan Earp, Virgil Earp, and Doc Holliday were wounded."
So what started as a great day, was one that won't be soon forgot. After leaving Tombstone we were traveling North on Hwy#80. Some 5 miles out of Benson an oncoming pickup started to swerve slightly into my lane just as it went by, I watched in my mirror as it over corrected back and then lost control and came straight across into the oncoming lane narrowly missing the back end of Mark's bike by mere feet as it flipped into the ditch. We pulled over, Mark was pretty shaken as one can imagine. There were three people in the truck and 2 of the 3 were reported to be badly injured (details not known). They were air lifted out.
No way to rationalize this and certainly one of those 'life altering experiences'. We took some time, regrouped and cautiously road to Globe AZ. Mark and I are both fine.
Day 3 - Gunfight at the OK Corral
Not a cloud in the sky, Temperatures in the mid 90's (35C).
Well one would think that as the holiday goes on, the start to the day would get later and later. After all, it is a vacation. Not the case when you're traveling with Kwasy. He was chomping at the bit by 7:00 and we were loaded and on the bikes by 7:30. "Already 8:30 back home", he said. Imagine if home was Newfoundland, "the days half over, we best get going."
Today's highlight, Tombstone Arizona. A little history lesson - Tombstone sprang up around the mines discovered by Ed Schieffelin in 1877. The Settlement became a village in 1879, and a city in 1881. Early in the 20th century, it was dubbed " The Town To Tough to Die". In 1962 Tombstone was designated as a National Historic Landmark because of its significant role in the history of the American West.
Tombstone was probably most famous for the Gunfight at the OK Corral. "Wyatt Earp, Morgan Earp, Virgil Earp, and Doc Holliday fought Frank McLaury, Tom McLaury, Billy Claiborne, Ike Clanton, and Billy Clanton. Ike Clanton and Billy Claiborne (who later claimed that he had been unarmed, though some reports credit him with shooting one or more times) ran away from the fight, unharmed. Both McLaurys and Billy Clanton were killed; Morgan Earp, Virgil Earp, and Doc Holliday were wounded."
So what started as a great day, was one that won't be soon forgot. After leaving Tombstone we were traveling North on Hwy#80. Some 5 miles out of Benson an oncoming pickup started to swerve slightly into my lane just as it went by, I watched in my mirror as it over corrected back and then lost control and came straight across into the oncoming lane narrowly missing the back end of Mark's bike by mere feet as it flipped into the ditch. We pulled over, Mark was pretty shaken as one can imagine. There were three people in the truck and 2 of the 3 were reported to be badly injured (details not known). They were air lifted out.
No way to rationalize this and certainly one of those 'life altering experiences'. We took some time, regrouped and cautiously road to Globe AZ. Mark and I are both fine.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Laughlin River Run 2009 - Day 2
This Post can be seen online by clicking here
Day 2
Day 2 started early .... again :-(. When you're riding with Kwasy, you're riding early. Another great day of riding with not a cloud in the sky and temperatures reaching into the thirty's by mid afternoon.
We started the day with a quick trip back into the core of Prescott and into some of the neighborhoods near the downtown. The city has incredible charm and is without question one of my new favorite cities. Prescott claims to be located in the largest stand of Ponderosa Pines which give is the British Columbia feel combined with desert. A must visit for anyone in the area.
We rode East along a number of secondary roads. The ride along Roosevelt Lake provided incredible colors with the lake blue and red rock around the shores. Saturday brought out the sport fisherman ... the lake was full of them. We also ran across a gang of 'Vespa' rider. There had to be at least 30 of them. You can see from the one picture, the lead scooter held Kwasy at bay for probably 3 miles ... he couldn't make the pass.
One of the highlights of the day was the lunch stop. Superior Arizona, where the restaurant was very plain, but the chicken Burritos were incredible and service great.
We took Hwy177 SW from Superior, AZ. The ride took us by an open pit mine operated by ASARCO Mines. It was an enormous operation and hard to fathom the size of the operation. A giant hole and down the road an enormous mound of rock from the excavation.
Pictures from the ride;
Day 2
Day 2 started early .... again :-(. When you're riding with Kwasy, you're riding early. Another great day of riding with not a cloud in the sky and temperatures reaching into the thirty's by mid afternoon.
We started the day with a quick trip back into the core of Prescott and into some of the neighborhoods near the downtown. The city has incredible charm and is without question one of my new favorite cities. Prescott claims to be located in the largest stand of Ponderosa Pines which give is the British Columbia feel combined with desert. A must visit for anyone in the area.
We rode East along a number of secondary roads. The ride along Roosevelt Lake provided incredible colors with the lake blue and red rock around the shores. Saturday brought out the sport fisherman ... the lake was full of them. We also ran across a gang of 'Vespa' rider. There had to be at least 30 of them. You can see from the one picture, the lead scooter held Kwasy at bay for probably 3 miles ... he couldn't make the pass.
One of the highlights of the day was the lunch stop. Superior Arizona, where the restaurant was very plain, but the chicken Burritos were incredible and service great.
We took Hwy177 SW from Superior, AZ. The ride took us by an open pit mine operated by ASARCO Mines. It was an enormous operation and hard to fathom the size of the operation. A giant hole and down the road an enormous mound of rock from the excavation.
Pictures from the ride;
Friday, April 17, 2009
Laughlin River Run 2009 - Day 1
This Post can be seen online by clicking here
Day 1 - And we're Riding :-)
We headed out early this morning and completed the drive from Washington, UT to Laughlin, NV where we left the truck and trailer. It didn't take long once we arrived - packed and off within the hour.
The ride today was 265 Miles and took us from Laughlin, south to Lake Havasu including a section of the famed Route 66, and then East to Prescott AZ.
Lake Havasu was incredible. Sand beaches and 'cigarette' boats everywhere .... It's said to be a real party place during spring break - I can see why. Lake Havasu is also the home of the London Bridge. The Bridge was originally constructed in London in 1831 and was sold in 1962 to Robert McCulloch, founder of Lake Havasu. Read how and why the bridge ended up in Lake Havas here. Hard to believe it was literally moved from London, England to Lake Havasu.
From Lake Havasu we went south through Parker and then East to Prescott, AZ. The last 40 miles into Prescott, Arizona ...incredible! Dave, if your reading this, it was ' Ripleys! '. We climbed out of the dessert and cactus up to 6100ft and into Pondersa Pines. The road was incredible with more twists and turns then you can imagine. No question ... the best road I've ridden on a motorcycle yet.
Prescott, Arizona seems like a real gem. We're off to check out down town and grab dinner.
.... enjoy the pictures.
Day 1 - And we're Riding :-)
We headed out early this morning and completed the drive from Washington, UT to Laughlin, NV where we left the truck and trailer. It didn't take long once we arrived - packed and off within the hour.
The ride today was 265 Miles and took us from Laughlin, south to Lake Havasu including a section of the famed Route 66, and then East to Prescott AZ.
Lake Havasu was incredible. Sand beaches and 'cigarette' boats everywhere .... It's said to be a real party place during spring break - I can see why. Lake Havasu is also the home of the London Bridge. The Bridge was originally constructed in London in 1831 and was sold in 1962 to Robert McCulloch, founder of Lake Havasu. Read how and why the bridge ended up in Lake Havas here. Hard to believe it was literally moved from London, England to Lake Havasu.
From Lake Havasu we went south through Parker and then East to Prescott, AZ. The last 40 miles into Prescott, Arizona ...incredible! Dave, if your reading this, it was ' Ripleys! '. We climbed out of the dessert and cactus up to 6100ft and into Pondersa Pines. The road was incredible with more twists and turns then you can imagine. No question ... the best road I've ridden on a motorcycle yet.
Prescott, Arizona seems like a real gem. We're off to check out down town and grab dinner.
.... enjoy the pictures.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Travel: Calgary - Washingon Utah
This Post can be seen online by clicking here
We left Calgary Wednesday, April 15th at 7:00pm and drove through the night and hit the Zion Harley Dealership in Washington Utah, 2:30pm - 1,300 miles in 19 1/2 hours. Mark needed an oil change and I opted to put on new rubber. Why we didn't do this in the weeks before leaving Calgary is beyond me, maybe it's all part of the annual ride experience. The guys at Zion HD were great to us last year and they were great again this year. They understand service and how to ensure 'out of town' riders feel special. The one thing that's great about owning an HD, if you're from out of town and on a 'road trip' your service needs are prioritized at most dealerships - 'Front of the Line'.
The ride was relatively smooth, but as you'll see from the pictures, we had snow on and off through to south of Salt Lake City. The plateau that you're on in southern Utah is 5000 - 6000 ft and the temperatures hovered around zero until we finally came down to 3000 ft just outside of Washington, Utah.
A few pictures of the ride down. A great new dealership in the south end of Salt Lake is a 'must stop and see' if you're passing through - Tim Panogos HD.
We left Calgary Wednesday, April 15th at 7:00pm and drove through the night and hit the Zion Harley Dealership in Washington Utah, 2:30pm - 1,300 miles in 19 1/2 hours. Mark needed an oil change and I opted to put on new rubber. Why we didn't do this in the weeks before leaving Calgary is beyond me, maybe it's all part of the annual ride experience. The guys at Zion HD were great to us last year and they were great again this year. They understand service and how to ensure 'out of town' riders feel special. The one thing that's great about owning an HD, if you're from out of town and on a 'road trip' your service needs are prioritized at most dealerships - 'Front of the Line'.
The ride was relatively smooth, but as you'll see from the pictures, we had snow on and off through to south of Salt Lake City. The plateau that you're on in southern Utah is 5000 - 6000 ft and the temperatures hovered around zero until we finally came down to 3000 ft just outside of Washington, Utah.
A few pictures of the ride down. A great new dealership in the south end of Salt Lake is a 'must stop and see' if you're passing through - Tim Panogos HD.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
2nd Annual Road Trip - Laughlin River Run
Last year was my first trip to the Laughlin River Run Bike Rally with Mark Kwasnicki, Dave 'Shakin' Bacon, and Sid De Graf. It was a great trip with fantastic riding and incredible scenary (see next blog for pictures from last year). We're doing it again this year but with half the gang - just Mark and I - and riding further south into Arizona and new Mexico.
As with last year, we're trailering the bikes down, riding for 5 days, catching up with the Wendy and Colleen in Las Vegas, and taking in the Laughlin River Run Bike rally for a few days before packing up and heading home.
I'll be trying to keep the blog current with updates and pictures during the trip, so check it out from time to time for updates and new pictures. The next post will likely be Friday once we've 'landed' and before heading out on the bike part of the trip.
This is the planned bike trip for 2009 - 1,300 Miles in total. This year we've decided to start further south and cover Arizona and into New Mexico. Although planned, the actual route will only be known once we're back. We have a number of scenic rides along with destinations that we've noted and we'll see where the road and weather takes us:
Pictures from last years trip are on the next post.
As with last year, we're trailering the bikes down, riding for 5 days, catching up with the Wendy and Colleen in Las Vegas, and taking in the Laughlin River Run Bike rally for a few days before packing up and heading home.
I'll be trying to keep the blog current with updates and pictures during the trip, so check it out from time to time for updates and new pictures. The next post will likely be Friday once we've 'landed' and before heading out on the bike part of the trip.
This is the planned bike trip for 2009 - 1,300 Miles in total. This year we've decided to start further south and cover Arizona and into New Mexico. Although planned, the actual route will only be known once we're back. We have a number of scenic rides along with destinations that we've noted and we'll see where the road and weather takes us:
Pictures from last years trip are on the next post.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Laughlin River Run 2008
Photos from our 2008 Trip through Utah. Ultimately ending at the Laughlin River Run bike rally.
(Mouse over and click on the image to go to the online album)
(Mouse over and click on the image to go to the online album)
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